Hair today, helping tomorrow

Ritchie Clark has not cut his hair since his father died of cancer five years ago. It will go to make wigs. Photo / Michael Craig

Ritchie Clark has a ready reply to any workmates on his construction site who hassle him about his flowing locks.

"When I tell them I am raising money for Canteen and donating my hair to make wigs they are like, 'cool man - that's great'."

Clark, who works for Fulton Hogan on the Waterview motorway tunnel in Auckland, hasn't cut his hair since his father Don Clark died of cancer five years ago - just two weeks after Ritchie's son Corey was born.

Back then Ritchie shaved his head and decided not to cut it again until his son turned 5.

"Dad held on to meet his grandson so I am doing this in his honour and to raise money for Canteen."

Before Richie met the five-year target, he lost another friend to cancer and another had a scare with breast cancer. That just made Ritchie more determined to help.

Ritchie said dusty construction work is tough on long hair but he's dedicated to looking after his locks, which will form part of a hairpiece for cancer sufferers.